Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Durham is 11% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,412/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 2%
$79,234/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 32%
$355,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 30%
$1,434/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 6%
288,465
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,463/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs New Haven — common questions

Is Durham or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and New Haven?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $30/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or New Haven?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $25,463/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Durham details → View New Haven details →

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